Rainhill Trials Collection

Rainhill Trials October 1829
These trials for early steam locomotives were run at Rainhill, near Liverpool, UK, to determine which would be used on the newly-completed railway from Liverpool to Manchester

Braithwaite & Ericsson's locomotive Novelty
5308505 Braithwaite & Ericsson's locomotive Novelty'.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Braithwaite & Ericsson's locomotive Novelty')

Braithwaite & Ericsson's locomotive Novelty
5308504 Braithwaite & Ericsson's locomotive Novelty'.; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Braithwaite & Ericsson's locomotive Novelty')

Drawing of Rockets firebox, from Rastricks notebook, 1829 (pen & ink on paper)
3697585 Drawing of Rockets firebox, from Rastricks notebook, 1829 (pen & ink on paper) by Rastrick, John Urpeth (1780-1856); Science Museum, London

Notebook belonging to John Urpeth Rastrick, that was used to record details of the Rainhill locomotive trials in 1829
3697583 Notebook belonging to John Urpeth Rastrick, that was used to record details of the Rainhill locomotive trials in 1829 (pen & ink on paper) by Rastrick

George Stephensons Rocket, 1829 (chromolitho)
3105631 George Stephensons Rocket, 1829 (chromolitho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: George Stephensons Rocket, 1829.); Look and Learn / Barbara Loe Collection

Detail of Rocket, side view, from Rastricks notebook, 1829 (pen & ink on paper)
3697587 Detail of Rocket, side view, from Rastricks notebook, 1829 (pen & ink on paper) by Rastrick, John Urpeth (1780-1856); Science Museum, London

Sketch of a spring-loaded safety valve from Hackworths note-book, 1827-28 (pencil on paper)
3697574 Sketch of a spring-loaded safety valve from Hackworths note-book, 1827-28 (pencil on paper) by Hackworth, Timothy (1786-1850); Private Collection; (add.info)

Original fire box of Stephensons 0-2- 2 locomotive Rocket, 1829 (litho)
3697571 Original fire box of Stephensons 0-2- 2 locomotive Rocket, 1829 (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Detail of Rocket, end view, from Rastricks notebook, 1829 (pen & ink on paper)
3697588 Detail of Rocket, end view, from Rastricks notebook, 1829 (pen & ink on paper) by Rastrick, John Urpeth (1780-1856); Science Museum, London

George Stephensons Rocket, c1905. On 11 October 1829 Rocket won the Rainhill Trials, a competition held to determine the engine to be used on the Liverpool to Manchester Railway

The Rocket, locomotive designed by George Stephenson in 1829, c1905. On 11 October 1829 Rocket won the Rainhill Trials, a competition held to determine the engine to be used on the Liverpool to

George Stephensons locomotive Rocket, 1829 (1892). On 11 October 1829 Rocket won the Rainhill Trials, a competition held to determine the engine to be used on the Liverpool to Manchester Railway

George Stephensons locomotive Rocket, 1829 (1859). On 11 October 1829 Rocket won the Rainhill Trials, a competition held to determine the engine to be used on the Liverpool to Manchester Railway

George Stephensons locomotive Rocket, 1829 (1900). On 11 October 1829 Rocket won the Rainhill Trials, a competition held to determine the engine to be used on the Liverpool to Manchester Railway

Brandreths horse powered locomotive Cycloped, 1829. Plate taken from History and Progress of the Steam Engine, 1831 by Elijah Galloway

Medal commemorating the centenary of the birth of George Stephenson, railway engineer, 1881
Medal commemorating the centenary of the birth of George Stephenson, British railway engineer (1781-1848), 1881. It shows the Rocket

Stephensons Rocket winning the Rainhill Trials, 14 October 1829 (1898). George Stephensons (1781-1848) locomotive Rocket winning the competition held at Rainhill, Merseyside

George Stephenson, British engineer C017 / 7109
George Stephenson (1781-1848), British engineer and pioneer of railway locomotives. Working on steam engines in coal mines from the age of 14, Stephenson taught himself engineering

Rainhill Trials steam trains, 1829
Rainhill Trials steam trains. Diagrams of three of the steam trains contending at the Rainhill Trials of 1829. The trials were run at Rainhill, near Liverpool, UK

Robert Stephenson 1803-1859
Coloured engraving of Robert Stephenson, British engineer and railway pioneer. Robert, son of George Stephenson, was educated at Newcastle and Edinburgh

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The Rainhill Trials, held in October 1829, marked a pivotal moment in the history of locomotives and railway transportation. These trials were organized to determine the most efficient and reliable locomotive for the newly constructed Liverpool and Manchester Railway. John Urpeth Rastrick's notebook, filled with detailed records of the trials, provides valuable insights into this significant event. His pen and ink drawings depict Rockets firebox, offering a glimpse into its innovative design. The Rocket, designed by George Stephenson himself, became an iconic symbol of these trials. In one sketch from Rastrick's notebook, we see a side view of Rocket showcasing its intricate details. Another drawing captures the end view of this remarkable locomotive. These illustrations serve as historical artifacts that allow us to visualize the engineering marvel that was Rocket. Hackworth's note-book also contributes to our understanding of these trials with a pencil sketch depicting a spring-loaded safety valve. This invention played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of steam engines during this era. A lithograph showcases Stephensons original firebox on his 0-2-2 locomotive Rocket from 1829. This lithograph serves as evidence of how far locomotive technology had advanced during this time period. Even years later, c1905 to be exact, George Stephenson's Rocket continued to captivate people's imagination as depicted in another chromolitho artwork. Its sleek design and powerful performance made it an enduring symbol of progress and innovation in rail transport. The Rainhill Trials forever changed the course of railway history by proving that steam-powered locomotives were not only feasible but also superior to other forms of transportation at that time. It paved the way for further advancements in railway technology and laid down foundations for modern-day trains that we rely on today.